The
µTechnician bulldogs.kettering.edu/technician
February 28, 2012
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Volume 108
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Issue 8
Grow It Here, Make It Here Here initiatives to advance Michigan’s emerging bio-based manufacturing industry. Stabenow said bio-based manufacturing, using agriculture goods to make value-added products, is an industry poised to grow and create jobs in Michigan. Last fall, she announced From Kettering Communications Us Senator Debbie Stabenow, chair her first Grow it Here, Make it Here of the Senate Committee on Agricul- initiative, which would create a new ture, Nutrition and Forestry, came to tax cut for Michigan companies that Kettering University February 21 to invest in new facilities or purchase announce new Grow it Here, Make it equipment to manufacture bio-based products. Her new initiatives would increase access to capital for bio-based manufacturers, improve marketing of bio-based products and spur the commercialization of new agricultural innovations to create new jobs. Stabenow announced her initiatives at a news conference in Kettering’s Innovation Center, where she was joined
US Senator Debbie Stabenow Visits Kettering Innovation Center
by representatives from the University, Swedish Biogas International, Landaal Packaging Systems, Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and the Bio Alliance Council. Dr. Jennifer Aurandt, associate professor of Biochemistry, gave Stabenow a tour of lab facilities in the Innovation Center. Student Olivia Hayden and Ben Wagner ‘11 assisted in the tour. Stabenow’s Grow it Here, Make it Here initiatives include a new effort to increase the number of Biopreferred products, products that are certified and labeled so consumers can choose to purchase goods made of agriculture materials. Today, she joined with President Obama and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in announcing a 50 percent increase in government purchases of new bio-based products. “When we grow things here and make things here, we create jobs here in Michigan,” Stabenow said. “Incubators like Kettering University’s Innovation Center are partnering with Michigan innovators like Swedish Biogas and can be a hub for new bio-based Continued on reverse
A Look Ahead… 29
Wednesday
3/1
Thursday
2
Friday
12:25 pm – Physics Club
12:20 pm –Geo Meeting
12:20 pm – Technician Meeting
Ab 2617
Mc 3225
3rd floor cc
6:30 pm – Open Source Club
9:00 pm – Chess Club
12:30 pm – Mudboggers Meeting
Cribathon Lounge
Bj’s Lounge
Fishbowl
February 28, 2012
Continued from front manufacturers that are making things with Michigan-grown products. We are at the forefront of bio-based manufacturing, and my initiatives will help businesses who want to invest and create new jobs here in America.” Tom Guise, ceo of Swedish Biogas International, served as emcee for the press conference. He said, “By using innovative technology, such as anaerobic digestion, to convert food and other organic waste into bio-fuel, Swedish Biogas is creating new jobs in the Flint area while lowering energy costs. I want to commend Senator Stabenow for focusing on expanding bio-fuels and bio-based manufacturing here in Michigan.”
The µTechnician Bob Landaal, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Landaal Packaging Systems said: “Landaal packaging currently sells green cell foam to customers that seek thermal protection for items that need temperature regulation and customers seeking shock, vibration, and cushioning protection. We appreciate Senator Stabenow’s work to help Michigan companies make a difference in this global market place. Grow it Here, Make it Here is a great example.” Landaal Packaging Systems is a bio-based manufacturer in Burton, Michigan, that is a leader in green, biodegradable packaging. Kettering Provost Robert Simpson said, “Flint and Kettering University will be better able to create new technologies and skilled experts in bio-manufacturing, under Senator Stabenow’s new provisions. As a manufacturing center of excellence, Flint has been a national leader in both production innovations and distribution logistics. By bringing cutting-edge manufacturing advances into agriculture, we will be creating jobs and
Page 2 boosting Michigan’s farm industry at the same time.” Flint Mayor Dayne Walling said, “Senator Stabenow is a strong champion for investing in Michigan’s economy and putting people back to work. Senator Stabenow supported the new Center for Energy Excellence in the City of Flint at Kettering University to develop innovative ways to produce bio-energy.” Tracey Maroney, director of the Bio Alliance Council, a partnership between Michigan Works! and Prima Civitas Foundation said, “Michigan has geographic advantages over other states in terms of diverse feedstocks, vast agricultural supply chains and bioresearch facilities. Michigan has the ability to shape its own future and has significant opportunities to expand its bio-based industry and advance its position in the global bioeconomy market. I want to thank Senator Stabenow for her commitment to growing Michigan’s bio-based economy and creating new jobs.”
Photos courtesy of Kettering Communications.
… One Week at a Time 3 – 4
Saturday & Sunday
Saturday 8:00 am – Kettering first Robotics District Contest
Recreation Center
5
Monday
6
Tuesday
12:20 pm – Technician Meeting
8:00 pm – Wkuf Meeting
3 floor cc rd
12:30 pm – Aerospace Club
Ab 1819
Bj’s Lounge
9:00 pm – Chess Club
cc 5200